A cityscape with a stadium, buildings, and mountains in the background.

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Our top choices for San José cheap hotels

A nighttime outdoor pool area with multiple dining tables and umbrellas, surrounded by palm trees and a pool.

1. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
3.5 star property
Ciudad Cariari
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (3,505 reviews)
"Good location for the airport."
United States
Joseph
The price is SAR 332
SAR 375 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
A swimming pool with a small waterfall, surrounded by tropical plants and palm trees, with a building featuring a red-tiled roof in the background.

2. Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
4.0 star property
Ciudad Cariari
7.6 out of 10, Good, (2,122 reviews)
"Excellent rooms, gym, pool and restaurants."
Canada
Fernando
The price is SAR 326
SAR 368 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
Two individuals seated at an outdoor table with various breakfast items, surrounded by greenery.

3. Costa Rica Guesthouse

Costa Rica Guesthouse
3.0 star property
Catedral
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (744 reviews)
"Great location and helpful staff."
United States
louis
The price is SAR 55
SAR 125 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Nov - 29 Nov
Costa Rica Guesthouse
A poolside area with a pool, lounge chairs, and a building with large windows.

4. Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel

Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel
2.0 star property
Catedral
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (376 reviews)
"Staff were super friendly and very helpful!"
Canada
Kiera
The price is SAR 33
SAR 82 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel
A narrow, tiled corridor with hanging plants and a wicker chair.

5. Gardens House, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San Jose

Gardens House, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San Jose
2.0 star property
Bajo Cornizal
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (263 reviews)
"Lovely place"
United States
Collin
The price is SAR 138
SAR 156 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Gardens House, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San Jose
A hallway with a tiled floor, dark walls, and artwork on the sides.

6. Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel

Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
2.0 star property
El Carmen
7.8 out of 10, Good, (247 reviews)
"Good stay, friendly staff, airport shuttle"
United States
Daniel
The price is SAR 66
SAR 155 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Dec - 17 Dec
Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
A restaurant interior with wooden tables and chairs, a bar area, and a menu board.

7. Viajero San José Hostel

Viajero San José Hostel
2.0 star property
Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (67 reviews)
"One of the cleanest places I have stayed."
Mexico
JOSE MAURICIO
The price is SAR 166
SAR 187 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Viajero San José Hostel
An outdoor dining area with tables and chairs, a staircase, and hanging light fixtures.

8. Hotel Pacandé

Hotel Pacandé
2.5 star property
Corazón de Jesús
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (267 reviews)
"The breakfast was awesome!@ and the staff very helpful nice and cozy in the breakfast area!!"
United States
Juan
The price is SAR 104
SAR 117 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Nov - 29 Nov
Hotel Pacandé
A terracotta pot with a green plant on a wooden table in a room with a dining area and a staircase.

9. Las Carmelas, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San José

Las Carmelas, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San José
3.0 star property
Bajo Cornizal
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (74 reviews)
"Randall was very kind and helpful!! We stayed here overnight before our next flight out and it was the perfect stop!!"
Canada
Travis
The price is SAR 92
SAR 167 total
includes taxes & fees
19 Nov - 20 Nov
Las Carmelas, Airport Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, San José
A room with a bookshelf, a potted plant, a puzzle box, and a blue brick wall.

10. Lolas Hostal

Lolas Hostal
2.0 star property
Catedral
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (53 reviews)
"Waited for me for late check-in after late flight. Communicated via wha'ts app to ensure arrival coordination"
Canada
Veronique
The price is SAR 86
SAR 165 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Nov - 28 Nov
Lolas Hostal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Top San José Hotel Reviews

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

10/10 Excellent
"Super clean and convenient airport hotel. Love that there’s breakfast provided too"
Zann 1-night trip
Posted 15 hours ago
Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
Barceló San José

Barceló San José

10/10 Excellent
"personal muy atento a las necesidades del cliente"
Luis O 5-night trip
Posted 22 hours ago
Barceló San José

Frequently asked questions

What is San José like for travelers on a budget?
San José has a variety of cheap accommodations and things to do, making it a budget-friendly vacation choice. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Central Park, National Theater of Costa Rica, and Plaza de la Cultura.
What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in San José?
Based on reviews, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica is a popular hotel for our travelers who want a more economical choice, and features free full breakfast and free WiFi. Other choices to stay on the cheap include Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center and Viajero San José Hostel.
How many cheap hotels should I expect to find in San José?
Choose a hotel that suits your wallet among Expedia's 32 budget hotels in San José.
When is the best time for a budget trip to San José?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to San José, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually March and April with an average temp of 68°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 66°F. The rainiest months in San José are October, June, September, and August, with each month seeing an average of 26 inches of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in San José?
San José attracts visitors with its top museums and majestic volcano, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then plan some activities that cost very little. Explore and snap photos of landmarks like Estación del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica and Rock Bridge, or check out the area's cultural spots like at National Theater of Costa Rica.
How can I get to San José and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in San José is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The closest airport is 4.4 mi (7.1 km) from the center in San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO), which is 9.6 mi (15.5 km) away. San José might not have many public transit choices so a rental car could be a reasonable alternative to explore more of the area.